Anticipated Start Date: June 2, 2025

Estimated Pay: $16 per hour

Number of Jobs Available: 4

Schedule: Scheduled 3-6 hour shifts as available, in-person

Location: UDairy Creamery Production Facility (529 S College Ave, Room 124 Worrilow Hall, Newark, DE)

About the department / center:

The UDairy Creamery is a non-profit, student-run enterprise of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Under the guidance of industry professionals, students receive a hands-on, immersive education in the principles of food science, safety and production, dairy science, business management, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture.

Role Description:

The Quality assurance interns will assist in the laboratory testing and record keeping at the GFIL. Interns play an integral hands-on role in the quality assurance of dairy products. Depending on shift availability, different tasks may be available including: collection and analysis of samples, environmental swabbing, and interpreting data. This position works directly with Creamery Management to plan laboratory testing, interpret data, and help respond based on the data to deal with problems and uphold food safety.

Role Expectations:

• Serve as a UDairy Creamery representative, developing connections with the campus community with the goal of communicating how our products are made, the precautions we take to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers, and the logic as to which flavors are created or returned into rotation.
• Become an expert on the UDairy philosophy, mission statement and partnership- be able to communicate that information confidently.
• Complete tasks as assigned by the Creamery Management Team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be detail oriented and trained to use aseptic techniques.
• Assist in collecting milk, cheese, environmental, and sanitation solution samples.
• Assist in keeping daily records up to date.
• Assist in analytical methods, quality testing, and food safety testing.
• Observe and help maintain the Food Safety Plan including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Assist with training other UDairy staff to work safely in cheese/ice cream production areas and/or QA testing lab.
• Be able to problem solve and work through issues/errors.
• Be able to take directions and detailed notes.
• Be able to work independently and complete assigned tasks within timelines needed as may be required by regulatory authorities.
• Assist in ice cream production and cheesemaking as required by Creamery Management
• Heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and strenuous movement should be anticipated.

Qualifications:  

• At least 1 year of laboratory, food science, or food safety experience.
• Must have excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to work independently on projects.

 Position Requirements:

• While schedules can vary, interns must work 1-2 shifts per week, of at least 3 hours per shift during GFIL production days (Monday through Thursday). Shifts will likely be 7am-11am and 1pm-6pm (or a variation of these hours as academic schedules allow).
• Interns will be hired to work during academic sessions (spring, summer, fall, and winter). While the position is open until filled, students are expected to start work when classes begin for the semester through the last day of exams at the end of the semester. All applicants will report directly to the Creamery Director and Creamery Managers.

Applicants must be undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. Work study eligibility can be found here. Applicants who are not enrolled as undergraduate students at the University can apply by e-mailing udcreamery@udel.edu for more information. Employment Limitations and Exceptions